Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by Train or Bus (2024 Guide)

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If you are looking to head away from the hustle and hubris of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh in Perak is Malaysia’s third biggest city and yet it feels quiet and calm compared to the capital.

Ipoh is not far from Kuala Lumpur and is famed for its old town charm and colonial architecture plus incredible temple caves like Kek Lok Tong or the magnificent mirror lake, Tasik Cermin.

With Ipoh being around two and half hours away from by train or bus from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh should be high on your Malaysia must-do list.

From prices to public transport, here is our guide for getting from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by train or bus (and vice-versa) in 2024:

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Table of Contents

How far is Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur ?

Around 200km north of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is very easy to get to by public transport.

Given that Ipoh is surrounded by hills and limestone cliffs, the journey between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh is spectacular in parts.

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Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh public transport options

To get to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur, you can go by bus or ETS train (Electric Train Service).

To get from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, the bus is the least expensive option.

There are also private transfers available between Ipoh and KL but these are more expensive than the train or bus – check out KL to Ipoh private transfer rates here >

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh Train

Skip to KL to Ipoh Bus information >

To get on the Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train, you can take the ETS train (Electric Train Service) from either KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur station (near Chinatown) to Ipoh Railway Station.

The Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train travels on Malaysia’s modern West Coast Line on electrified twin tracks so the journey is fast and reliable.

There are two different classes of Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh trains – Gold and Silver.

Ipoh railway station Malaysia — *Ipoh railway station*

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What are the differences between the ETS Trains Gold and Silver Class?

Gold class train (ETS)
This train is direct from Kuala Lumpur with a few stops at main stations on the way to Ipoh.

Silver class train (ETS)
This train makes stops at ALL STATIONS on the way to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur and has a slightly longer journey time.

The difference in journey times between gold class or silver class trains to Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by train is only 5 or 10 minutes or so i.e. the KL to Ipoh train silver class takes 5 to 10 minutes longer than a gold train.

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How long does the Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train take?

The Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train usually takes between 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes depending on the train class.

The quickest way from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is by ETS train, taking gold class.

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Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train prices / fares

The cheapest Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train fare starts from 25 MYR as of early 2024 – this is based on a Silver class train from KL Sentral to Ipoh Railway Station.

Gold class tickets taking the KL to Ipoh train start from 35 MYR.

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How many KL to Ipoh trains are there everyday?

There are usually five Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh trains per day – typically 4 gold class trains and one silver class train.

Train Timetable for 2024

There are currently five Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh trains a day (and 5 trains from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur daily).

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh

Station	First train (daily)	Last train (daily)
KL Sentral station	8:47am	9:40pm
Kuala Lumpur station	8.53am	9:46pm

Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur

Station	First train (daily)	Last train (daily)
Ipoh Railway Station	5:10am	6:35pm

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh first and last train times correct as of January 2024.

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Buying a train ticket

You can either buy a train ticket online at KTMB online or via the self-machines ticket machines or staffed counters in the stations.

Both Kuala Lumpur train stations and Ipoh train stations have ticket counters and automatic ticket machines.

When buying a ticket, you will be allocated seats which you then need to sit in when you board the train.

ipoh train station Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train ticket

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Do you need to buy your Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh tickets in advance?

Yes and no – it is normally OK to buy your train tickets on the day at the station but if you want to guarantee a seat, we’d recommend buying them in advance online or at the departure station.

If you are visiting Kuala Lumpur / Ipoh during public holidays or celebrations like Thaipusam, it is strongly recommended you buy your train tickets in advance.

Also, if you are travelling as a group and want to sit together, it is best to buy your train tickets in advance so you can pick seats together as all seats are designated in advance.

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On board the Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh ETS train

We rode to Ipoh by Gold ETS train in December 2023 and the journey was fine – seats are comfortable and there is plenty of space to put your luggage either overhead or in luggage areas along the train.

Toilets are available onboard the train as well as buffet carts. There are also regular tannoy announcements (including English) as you approach / arrive at stations.

We noticed some people get confused by their seat / ticket numbers. We had to ask someone to move from our allocated seats, as did the couple next to us. So make sure you have your ticket in hand in case you need to prove the seat is allocated to you.

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Arriving / departing at Ipoh Railway Station

Ipoh Railway Station is often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh and was built over 100 years ago, opening in 1917.

Inside the Ipoh Railway Station, there are several shops, a cafe and a train ticketing office (note the toilets inside are free to use but not very nice).

To be honest, whilst the exterior is incredible, the interior is pretty dirty and grubby inside so best not to stick around there too long. Grab taxis and public buses can both be taken from outside Ipoh Railway Station.

Outside the station, you can see the iconic Ipoh tree and nice landscaped gardens plus a tourist friendly large Ipoh sign to pose in front of.

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KL to Ipoh bus service

The cheapest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is by public bus.

To get from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, you can take a bus from KL TBS – Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to Ipoh Amanjaya bus station.

There are also buses from Hentian Duta KL bus station to Ipoh Amanjaya station but the departures are less frequent.

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How long is the KL to Ipoh bus journey time?

The bus from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh usually takes between 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes depending on traffic and number of stops along the way.

The quickest buses depart from KL TBS – Terminal Bersepadu Selatan bus station.

How much is the KL to Ipoh Bus? 2024 Prices

The Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh bus fare starts from as little as 20 MYR one way.

Bus ticket prices typically cost between 20 MYR to 35 MYR – all fares correct as of January 2024.

Booking KL to Ipoh bus tickets

Bus tickets can be bought in advance online at redbus.my or in person at KL TBS – Terminal Bersepadu Selatan.

Ipoh bus tickets at TBS can be bought either from a automatic ticket machine or via a staffed ticket counter.

Based on experience, ticket purchases can take a while during busy periods as there is so much data you need to input like date of birth and passport numbers so allow plenty of time – don’t expect to rock up 10 minutes before, grab a ticket and then jump on a bus.

Note: if you are travelling by bus, we strongly recommend booking your bus tickets in advance as many buses sell out early (some even days before, especially at weekends and during public holidays).

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Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train vs bus – which is best?

Whilst the bus is slightly cheaper than the train (the lowest bus fare is 22 MYR whilst the train starts from 25 MYR), generally it is much quicker to get the train to Ipoh and there is less chance of interruptions or traffic.

The train also has better air conditioning onboard and a buffet / cafe cart.

If you are staying in downtown Kuala Lumpur, you can get the train from either KL Sentral or Kuala Lumpur station whilst the main bus station is a little far away from downtown Kuala Lumpur (although this is solved by getting a taxi or Kommuter train to TBS).

As such, we would recommend taking the train over the bus.

Top things to do in Ipoh

Once you’ve arrived in Ipoh, these would be our recommended top things to do in Ipoh:

Concubine Lane

Likely Ipoh old town’s most famous tourist attraction, Concubine Lane is a charming alley-way chock-full of gift shops and restaurants that still manages to retain a little of its original charm.

A curious mix of coffee shops, history and interesting architecture, Concubine Lane in Ipoh is a great place to buy local gifts, enjoy Malaysian cuisine or just people watch.

Check out our full guide to visiting Ipoh’s Concubine Lane here >

Tasik Cermin / Mirror Lake

A lovely lakeside spot surrounded by limestone cliffs, Tasik Cermin (translated as ‘Mirror Lake)’ is one of the best places to ‘reflect’ and unwind in Ipoh.

Located a little way out of the city and only accessible on foot via a historic mining tunnel, this is a wonderful waterside spot teeming with wildlife (and the odd traveller!).

Check out our full guide to visiting Tasik Cermin in Ipoh >

Kek Lok Tong temple

One of the most beautiful temples in Ipoh, Kek Lok Tong is a limestone cave temple built into the side of the mountain with a gorgeous garden and lakes.

The setting is simply stunning and you are surrounded by nature. The temple is split into 3 cave areas plus fun outdoor activities like boat hire or cycling (and a LOT of monkeys).

Read our full guide to visiting Kek Lok Tong Temple in Ipoh >

Ipoh Night Market

Probably the best things to do in Ipoh at night, the main Ipoh night market is open from 4pm until midnight and is jam-packed with around 70 street food stalls plus clothing stalls, fairground games and live entertainment.

Check out our full ‘Things to do in Ipoh, Perak’ guide here >

Recommended Ipoh hotels and accommodation

There are lots of inexpensive and good hotels in Ipoh – as Grab taxis are so cheap, staying anywhere around Ipoh should be fine but we’d recommend staying near the old town so you can easily walk in at your leisure.

M Boutique Hotel

We stayed here for over a week and loved M Boutique Hotel as the interiors are very quirky (especially the reception area).

The Japanese restaurant onsite was INCREDIBLE and so cheap, plus it was within easy walking distance of the old town. There is a free laundry too.

Check M Boutique hotel rates and availability on Booking.com or Klook.

Brick Box Ipoh

A 3* hotel built in 2016 in the heart of Ipoh old town; rooms are modern with red brick walls and flat screen TVs. Check rates and availability for Brick Box Ipoh >

Cititel Express Ipoh

Located on the river and a short walk into Ipoh old town, the Cititel Express Ipoh is a 3* hotel with great views of downtown. Check rates and availability for Cititel Express Ipoh >

WEIL Hotel

5 star hotel with outdoor swimming pool, buffet restaurant and rooftop bar. Located in the new town neighbourhood next to Ipoh Parade Mall Check rates and availability for WEIL Hotel Ipoh >